Michaela Althouse

Michaela Althouse is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in climate, technology, education and politics. She’s previously written for Technical.ly, Washingtonian Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, New Project Media and Metro Eireann. She is a Bucks County native who enjoys gardening, exploring Philly and finding the city’s best coffee.

michaela@phillyvoice.com

August 27, 2024

Courts

PHA to purchase and repair deteriorating Brith Sholom House in West Philly

by Michaela Althouse

The Brith Sholom House in Wynnefield Heights will be sold to the Philadelphia Housing Authority for $24 million under a deal approved by a Court of Common Pleas judge on Monday. The deteriorating senior housing complex had been placed under receivership after its owners defaulted on their loan last year.

August 26, 2024

Music

To mark its 100th anniversary, Temple's marching band will perform at the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

by Michaela Althouse

Temple University's marching band was selected to participate in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the school announced Sunday. The band, which will march the two-mile route in New York City in its 100th anniversary year, was one of nine groups selected from over 100 applicants.

August 26, 2024

Investigations

Woman, 41, fatally shot while trying to break up fight in Kensington, police say

by Michaela Althouse

A woman was fatally shot on Kensington Avenue after she attempted to break up a fight outside a convenience store early Monday morning, Philadelphia police said. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the shooter's arrest and conviction.

August 23, 2024

Government

Philly can benefit from more 'streeteries,' but it's too costly and complex for restaurants to add them, report says

by Michaela Althouse

The process for Philadelphia restaurants to open 'streeteries' is too costly and complex, the City Controller's Office says. The outdoor dining option became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but restaurants have forgoed them since the city tightened its permitting process in January 2023.

August 23, 2024

Food & Drink

Wicked Gluten Free Expo will serve up samples of bread, pretzels and pizza next month in Oaks

by Michaela Althouse

The Wicked Gluten Free Expo will come to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on Saturday, Sept. 7. More than 100 vendors will have samples of pizza, pretzels, empanadas, doughnuts and more.

August 23, 2024

Food & Drink

Cookie company Taylor Chip to open two Philly stores in September

by Michaela Althouse

Taylor Chip, a Lancaster-based cookie company, will open two stores in Philadelphia in September. In Rittenhouse and Fishtown, the company will offer up to 24 varieties of cookies, coffee and 12 flavors of homemade ice cream.

August 22, 2024

Crime

911 call center gets boost, including raises for dispatchers and a new system with more location transparency

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia police introduced measures to improve the 911 call center on Thursday, including raises for dispatchers and a new system for calls that will allow for more location transparency.

August 21, 2024

Books

Temple professor Liz Moore opens up about her new book, 'The God of The Woods,' on 'The Tonight Show'

by Michaela Althouse

Novelist Liz Moore, a Temple University professor, appeared on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on Tuesday to discuss her latest book 'The God of the Woods.' She opened up about her writing process and what it's like to have two bestselling novels.

August 20, 2024

Politics

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta to speak at the DNC on Tuesday night

by Michaela Althouse

State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, of Philadelphia, will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday night. He'll be tasked with condemning Project 2026, the conservative blueprint to revamp the executive branch. Other speakers include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Obamas.

August 20, 2024

Government

Montgomery County Republican says police were wrongly sent to his house due to his support for Kamala Harris

by Michaela Althouse

Matthew McCaffery, who represents Upper Merion Township in the Montgomery County Republican Committee, appeared on CNN Friday in support of Kamala Harris. Later that night, he says someone reported a fake emergency at his house, prompting the police to respond.